Police Apprehend Man Accused Of Killing Rookie Cop In Pennsylvania

Rahmael Sal Holt, a Pittsburgh resident, has been apprehended and charged with first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer; murder of the first degree; possession of a firearm; and carrying a firearm without a license. He is suspected of killing rookie police officer Brian Shaw following a traffic stop gone awry.

According to The Washington Post, Holt's mother Sherry Holt, and another woman, Aysa Benson, were also arrested in connection with the crime; they are suspected of helping Holt in the wake of the killing. The two women have been charged with hindering apprehension, a third-degree felony.

An affidavit states that Holt had jumped out of a vehicle being driven by Tavon Jamere Harper (who was arrested on drug-related and fleeing charges). Surveillance footage of Holt running into a parking lot and firing at Shaw after being "clipped" by the fleeing Harper has been obtained. Shaw radioed for assistance and died in a hospital shortly after the shootout.

“I’m asking anybody, anybody with information, as minute as they think it might be, please, please give us a call. We need to find the person that did this. Thank you very much,” said New Kensington Police Chief James Klein before Holt's capture. An initial $55,000 was offered as a reward for information that led to Holt's arrest.

Holt has a long list of prior criminal charges including gun and drug charges, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Holt does not have a license to carry a firearm, according to the affidavit.

[Photo: Pennsylvania State Police]

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